Lily stormed down the dimly lit hallway of the mansion, each step heavy with anger and frustration.
She still felt raw from the confrontation with Ariel, but another layer of resentment simmered just beneath the surface—resentment toward Lucas, the very person who had just shielded her from his mother’s wrath.
As she reached a quieter corner of the hallway, she heard footsteps behind her.
Turning, she saw Lucas approaching with a look of concern etched into his face.
“Lily,” he began cautiously, his voice softer than usual, “are you alright?”
Lily’s jaw clenched, her frustration bubbling up.
She didn’t want his sympathy, not after what he had done.
She crossed her arms, looking away, trying to resist the urge to lash out. But her silence didn’t deter him.
“Lily,” he said again,
